WHY DO WE CARE ABOUT OVERWEIGHT AND OBESITY IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS?

Because of the health effects it's having in children.

• There is an increase in the incidence of diabetes (Type 2) in adolescents. Type 2 Diabetes use to be considered an adult onset disease.
• There is an increase risk for hypertension and high cholesterol which are risk factors for adult heart disease.
• Depression, social isolation and poor self esteem are associated with overweight and obesity.

Did you know that...

• About 35% of overweight children and about 70% of overweight adolescents become obese adults.
• TV viewing is associated with obesity due to inactivity, snacking and food advertising.
• 43% of adolescents watch more than 2 hours of TV per day or PC/video games each day.
• Only 13% of students eat the daily recommended 5 servings of fruit and vegetables per day. (Mass Youth Risk Behavior Survey-2001)
• If one parent is obese, a child has a 1 in 3 likelihood of being obese in adulthood.  

HEALTHY EATING SUGGESTIONS

• Eat 5 fruits and/or vegetables per day
• Drink more water and limit beverages with added sugars such as soda, fruit juices and sports drinks.
• Eat a healthy breakfast everyday
• Cut down on fat and calories
• Watch your portion sizes.
• Eat slowly
• Minimize take-out or restaurant meals
• Avoid fast foods
• Avoid meal skipping or inadequate meals as this leads to fast-binge patterns of eating
• Portion examples...

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY TIPS

• Exercise keeps the heart and lungs healthier, strengthens bones and decreases illness
• Exercise increases energy output by increasing metabolism both during and after exercise
• Exercise improves mental well being and self confidence
• Exercise at least 1 hour per day
• Exercise while watching TV
• Limit sedentary activities

FREE FITNESS FUN

• Ride a bike
• Take a walk
• Dance to music
• Fly a kite
• Take the stairs instead of the elevator
• Go swimming
• Jump rope
• Play dodge ball
• Rake leaves, shovel snow carry groceries